JACKSONVILLE, -- Jacksonville and Troy played to a 2-2 tie Thursday (Sept. 12) at home at Southern Oak Stadium. It was a heated battle where the Dolphins battled back from down 2-1 late in the match. The draw moved Jacksonville's record to 0-4-1 overall.
How it Happened
Jacksonville took a 1-0 lead when Manuela Restrepo recorded her first goal of the season, a rocket over the top of the keeper's outstretched arms, in the 25th minute assisted by Logan Gonzales. The Trojans leveled the game shortly after a goal from Delaney Wells in the 33rd minute, assisted by Danielle Trovato.
Troy then took the lead, 2-1, on Georgia Mulholland's 59th-minute goal.
The Trojan lead lasted until the Dolphins evened things at 2-2 with a 70th-minute goal from Olivia Peal, also her first goal of the season. Peal played a season-high 22 minutes and registered a season-high three shots. Peal's three shots were good for second on the team, behind team leader Restrepo. Bayleigh Humbert, Laura Di Mascio, Mariama Dabo, Anaya Black (2), Millie Urquhart and Georgina Spraggon all tallied shots leading the 'Phins to a 14-7 shot advantage.
Millie Tugby assisted on the game-tying goal, her first assist of the season.
In net, Pia Bozic started the entire game, her first full complete start of the year. She saved four total shots, tying her season high.
Coach's Comments
"We still want to find ways to win these games but we felt really good again," coach Ryan Moon said. "It was the same as the last game where we had a lot of the ball. We competed first, which is what we wanted to do. We won second balls and stayed in the game. We knew we could do that and show some quality with the ball like we did last game. Today, we created more chances and looked more threatening going forward. It was enjoyable to be part of. The press was good, the defending was good, the attacking was good. It was a good, exciting game. We are a little disappointed with the two goals we gave up. We need to tighten up in the defense in those moments. Overall, we are pleased. We are still building. We are hoping to peak at the right time."
Next Up
The Dolphins next host South Carolina State (0-9-0) at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15. The contest is also this season's International Celebration Game.
